An Interview With Musician Sean Cronin

The name "Sean" is the Irish version of the name John, a Hebrew name meaning "God is gracious; gift from God." Outside of Ireland, the usage of the name Sean only began in the twentieth century.

So, why am I writing about the name "Sean"? Well, the answer to that question is three fold. First, it is the name we gave our youngest son, after many months of searching for the perfect name. He is indeed, a gift from God. Another reason is that you probably didn't know about the name’s origin or meaning (unless you have a Sean of your own). So, I thought I’d share that tidbit of information. One can never have too much knowledge about anything, right? You’re welcome! Lastly, but by no means least, Sean happens to be the name of one of my favorite musicians/party pals/all around good dudes and he is the subject of the following interview.

Sean Cronin

I don’t really remember the first time I met Sean, but I’m pretty sure I saw him jamming with two different groups at two different venues, on that particular day. That’s not really uncommon for him though. His love of music, his music career and his outlook on life, in general, are somewhat intriguing and all inspiring. So much so, I was determined to find out more about the multi-talented musical artist, Sean Cronin. Here is what he had to say:

ABK: What was your first musical experience and at what age?

SEAN: I am a second generation musician so I’ve been playing music most of my life. I do remember playing battle of the bands in school. I was probably twelve. We were auditioning for the event and all the kids were sneaking in the auditorium to watch us play. We played a Billy Squire tune, "Everybody Wants You". Funny that I remember that.

ABK: Were you taught by someone to play an instrument or self-taught?

SEAN: My father taught me to play guitar when I was young. But, I picked up on music really fast and did most of my learning on my own.

ABK: When was your first time performing in front of an audience?

SEAN: I was in a choir in grade school. I was probably 8 or 9. We had to audition for 1st chair in the class every other week. There were probably 30 kids in that class … my first experience with stage fright. My first big audience was opening for Jeff Heally. I was 21.

ABK: What was the name of the first band you played with?

SEAN: I’ve played in several bands in my life so it’s hard to remember. But, I came out her from California with two of my buddies and had a band. We called the group "Striker". I was playing the drums.

ABK: What artist(s) would you say have influenced you most, as far as your sound and musical path?

ABK: Best concert you ever saw? Who, where, when? What made it special?

SEAN: I saw Robert plant in Anaheim California. It was my first big concert. I was 17, just about to turn eighteen. What made it special was I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life then. Not long after, I moved here and started working in my dad’s studio.

ABK: If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing?

SEAN: I would probably be in sports somehow.

ABK: What’s the most bizarre experience you’ve ever had while performing?

SEAN: I’ve had a lot. I do remember playing in Clemson one time and somebody’s car caught on fire. We stopped and everyone there went outside and watched it burn till the fire department came. One of the funniest was when I was playing at a club and it was packed. The lead singer tripped and took the drummers whole kit out and fell behind the stage with the kit. The drummer was sitting there with his sticks in his hand, no drums, right in the middle of a song. I laughed all night. It was HILARIOUS!

ABK: What, within the music scene, would you like to see change for the better?

SEAN: Well, of course, not to struggle so much with pay, double bookings, last minute cancellations and other financial obstacles. But, also for musicians to realize how lucky we are to do what we love and to support each other. We’re all trying to do the same thing …provide and pursue happiness and success.